Computer Operators
Monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages. May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices.
How AI Impacts Each Task
15 tasks analyzed
Enter commands, using computer terminal, and activate controls on computer and peripheral equipment to integrate and operate equipment.
Oversee the operation of computer hardware systems, including coordinating and scheduling the use of computer terminals and networks to ensure efficient use.
Monitor the system for equipment failure or errors in performance.
Answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems.
Respond to program error messages by finding and correcting problems or terminating the program.
Retrieve, separate, and sort program output as needed, and send data to specified users.
Record information such as computer operating time, problems that occurred, and actions taken.
Notify supervisor or computer maintenance technicians of equipment malfunctions.
Operate spreadsheet programs and other types of software to load and manipulate data and to produce reports.
Read job set-up instructions to determine equipment to be used, order of use, material such as disks and paper to be loaded, and control settings.
Supervise and train peripheral equipment operators and computer operator trainees.
Help programmers and systems analysts test and debug new programs.
Load peripheral equipment with selected materials for operating runs, or oversee loading of peripheral equipment by peripheral equipment operators.
Type command on keyboard to transfer encoded data from memory unit to magnetic tape and assist in labeling, classifying, cataloging and maintaining tapes.
Clear equipment at end of operating run and review schedule to determine next assignment.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enter commands, using computer terminal, and activate controls on computer and peripheral equipment to integrate and operate equipment. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 10% | |
| Oversee the operation of computer hardware systems, including coordinating and scheduling the use of computer terminals and networks to ensure efficient use. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 10% | |
| Monitor the system for equipment failure or errors in performance. | 95Estimated | 87.2% | 15% | |
| Answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems. | 60Estimated | 39.0% | 10% | |
| Respond to program error messages by finding and correcting problems or terminating the program. | 48.82Observed | 46.5% | 10% | |
| Retrieve, separate, and sort program output as needed, and send data to specified users. | 36.35Observed | 63.7% | 5% | |
| Record information such as computer operating time, problems that occurred, and actions taken. | 41.5Observed | 65.8% | 5% | |
| Notify supervisor or computer maintenance technicians of equipment malfunctions. | 33.13Observed | 62.5% | 3% | |
| Operate spreadsheet programs and other types of software to load and manipulate data and to produce reports. | 49.55Observed | 69.0% | 5% | |
| Read job set-up instructions to determine equipment to be used, order of use, material such as disks and paper to be loaded, and control settings. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 5% | |
| Supervise and train peripheral equipment operators and computer operator trainees. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 5% | |
| Help programmers and systems analysts test and debug new programs. | 49.75Observed | 46.9% | 5% | |
| Load peripheral equipment with selected materials for operating runs, or oversee loading of peripheral equipment by peripheral equipment operators. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 5% | |
| Type command on keyboard to transfer encoded data from memory unit to magnetic tape and assist in labeling, classifying, cataloging and maintaining tapes. | 82Estimated | 82.0% | 4% | |
| Clear equipment at end of operating run and review schedule to determine next assignment. | 45Estimated | 51.0% | 3% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Computer Operators skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation
JPMorgan's Massive Data Center Expansion Creates Just One Full-Time Job
Despite receiving millions in local tax breaks to expand its New York data center, JPMorgan Chase's highly automated facility will only add a single human role. The development highlights how massive investments in tech infrastructure no longer translate to local job growth.
OpenAI's upcoming models aim to automate computer-based tasks
Greg Brockman revealed that the company's development roadmap is heavily focused on agents capable of directly navigating software interfaces. This shift toward a compute-powered economy signals that routine digital administrative work is the next major target for disruption.
AI powerhouses threaten data processing firms
Shares of traditional software companies are dropping as advanced AI models successfully take over complex customer data processing tasks, signaling a shift away from legacy data roles.
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis